About maintenance

Allo｜Himalayan Nettle Fiber

ALLO products are made from Himalayan nettle fibers that are processed into yarn by hand and then woven or knitted. As a natural fiber, variations in fiber thickness, color, texture, weave, and knit are inherent to each piece. With continued use and washing, the fibers will gradually soften and settle, and their color and texture will naturally change over time.

Washing

• Hand washing separately is recommended.
• Use a mild, neutral detergent and gently press-wash the item. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or excessive agitation.
• Machine washing is not recommended. In particular, spinning and high-speed cycles may damage the fibers and the woven or knitted structure.
• Do not use bleach.

Drying

• After washing, do not wring or twist. Gently remove excess water with a towel.
• Reshape the item and allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Laying it flat to dry is recommended.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this may cause fading or shrinkage.
• Do not tumble dry, as heat may cause shrinkage and changes in texture.

Ironing

• If ironing is necessary, use a pressing cloth and iron lightly at a low to medium temperature.
• Avoid high temperatures or applying heat to the same area for an extended period.

Changes Over Time

With continued use and washing, the fibers will gradually soften and settle, and the color and texture will change naturally. As these products are made from natural fibers by hand, variations in fiber thickness, weave or knit, color, shrinkage, and creasing may occur.

Storage

• Make sure the item is completely dry before storing it in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• For long-term storage, check the item periodically to prevent moisture from accumulating.
• If using insect repellents or desiccants, avoid placing them in direct contact with the product.

먹 Meok｜Ink-Dyed Series

The 먹 Meok series is created by dyeing ALLO with traditional Korean pine-soot ink. Because both ALLO and the ink are natural materials, the way the fibers absorb the ink varies from piece to piece, creating individual differences in depth, tone, and surface appearance. After dyeing, each piece is repeatedly rinsed with water until excess, unfixed ink has been thoroughly removed.

Color and Changes Over Time

• Variations in tone, unevenness, and subtle differences in color are inherent characteristics of ink dyeing.
• Depending on the light and the condition of the fibers, the color may appear as deep ink black, charcoal gray, or black with subtle brown undertones.
• The color and texture will gradually change through use, washing, friction, and aging.

Washing

• Always hand wash separately.
• Wash gently in water or lukewarm water by lightly pressing the fabric. Do not rub, scrub, or knead vigorously.
• If detergent is necessary, use only a small amount of mild, neutral detergent.
• Do not use bleach or optical brighteners. Machine washing and tumble drying are not recommended.
• The depth and tone of the ink color may gradually change with washing.

Color Transfer

Although each piece is thoroughly rinsed after dyeing, due to the nature of ink dyeing on natural fibers, some color transfer may occur through friction, moisture, or prolonged contact. Take particular care to avoid contact with white or light-colored clothing, textiles, walls, and furniture, especially when the item is wet or damp.

Drying

• After washing, do not wring or twist. Fold the item and gently press out excess water by hand, or place it between towels to absorb moisture.
• Reshape and allow it to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and do not tumble dry.

Storage

• Make sure the item is completely dry before storing it in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid storing it for long periods in direct contact with white walls, light-colored fabrics, or furniture.

Dalo｜Bamboo Basket

Dalo is made from natural bamboo. Prolonged exposure to moisture or humid conditions may cause mold to develop.

Everyday Storage

• After use, remove any moisture and store in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid long-term storage in hot, humid, or poorly ventilated areas.

If Mold Develops

If mold develops, gently wipe the affected area with a soft cloth lightly dampened with alcohol, then allow the item to dry thoroughly. Alcohol may alter the color of the bamboo. Always test it first on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it more broadly.

Gundri｜Water-Grass Mats & Cushions

Gundri products are made by hand using natural water-grass fibers.

Characteristics of the Material

• As a natural fiber, variations in color and texture, as well as occasional surface wear, are inherent to the material.
• The products are not reversible. Please use the designated front surface.
• With exposure to sunlight and natural aging, the fresh green color will gradually change to a softer, more subdued beige.
• The volume of the fibers will gradually settle with continued use.
• Small fibers or traces of sand may occasionally fall from the product.
• When wearing loosely knitted or delicate clothing, take care to avoid snagging on the fibers.

Moisture and Water

The water grass used for Gundri has small hollow spaces within its structure and naturally absorbs and retains moisture. Prolonged use in highly humid environments or leaving the product damp may cause mold, deterioration, or insect activity. If it becomes wet, wipe away moisture and allow it to dry thoroughly with air circulating around the entire item.

Everyday Storage

• As with traditional Japanese rush mats, store in a dry, well-ventilated environment with low humidity.
• Avoid leaving the product tightly rolled for extended periods in a humid or poorly ventilated place. Unroll it periodically and check its condition.
• If the product feels damp, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it again.

If Mold Develops

Gently wipe the affected area with a cloth lightly dampened with alcohol and allow the product to dry thoroughly. If mold is widespread or the interior has absorbed moisture, make sure the entire product is thoroughly dried.

If Insects Are Found

As Gundri is made from untreated natural plant fibers without chemical insecticides, insects may occasionally appear depending on storage and environmental conditions. If insects are found, the product may be treated with hot water at approximately 60°C (140°F) or above. Make sure the hot water reaches the entire affected area, then dry the product thoroughly so that no moisture remains within the hollow fibers.

Round Tables｜Tai・lue / Talieng / Katu

The round tables are made from natural bamboo using techniques passed down in their respective regions of Laos.

Natural Smoke Aroma and Soot

Some pieces have traditionally been stored in living spaces with a wood-fired cooking hearth. As a result, the bamboo may naturally retain a smoky aroma and traces of soot. If the aroma is noticeable, leave the piece in a well-ventilated area and it will gradually diminish. Prolonged direct contact with plaster, white walls, light-colored fabrics, or similar surfaces may result in some soot transfer.

Use

As each table is made by hand from natural bamboo, subtle irregularities in the bamboo and woven tabletop are inherent to the piece. The table is generally stable and suitable for normal use. For very small tea cups of approximately 30 ml, vessels with narrow bases, or other slender objects, we recommend using a tray or flat board underneath for additional stability.

Storage

• Avoid prolonged storage in hot or humid environments, and do not leave the product wet.
• If the table becomes wet, wipe away excess moisture and allow it to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Insects and Insect Damage

As the tables are made from natural bamboo and are not chemically treated with insecticides, bamboo-feeding insects may occasionally be present or appear over time. The products are inspected both in the country of origin and in Japan, and hot-water treatment and cleaning are carried out when necessary.

If Insects Are Found

1. Fill a large basin or similar container with hot water at 60°C (140°F) or above and immerse the item for approximately 5–10 minutes.
2. If the entire item cannot be submerged, pour sufficient hot water over the exposed areas as well.
3. After treatment, gently wipe away excess surface moisture with a soft cloth.
4. Allow the item to dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Avoid prolonged soaking, as this may cause the bamboo to swell or deform.